Dr. William A. Chantry

Dr. William Amdor Chantry
Kinston
Dr. William A. Chantry, 86, of 1708 St. George Place, Kinston, died suddenly Saturday, July 2, 2011 at Wayne Memorial Hospital with his loving family around him. He was born in Corning, Iowa and grew up in Marengo, Iowa. The son of a Depression era county engineer, he learned from an early age the importance of community, friends and family. His favorite place was sitting on his back porch enjoying the "Chantry forest", watching the antics of the birds, squirrels and rabbits. He was an active member of the Democratic Party throughout his 50 years in Kinston, an ardent supporter of historical preservation and education, a charter member of The Friends of Colonial Williamsburg and Tryon Palace, member of the Raleigh Tavern Society of Colonial Williamsburg, the Smithsonian Institute Society, the Neue Gallery Friends of New York City, and the Royal Oak Society of Great Britain in addition to being a dedicated fan of the Kinston Indians. Dr. Chantry traveled worldwide researching family ancestry, visiting new places and enjoying New Years in Vienna, Austria. At 18, he was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in World War II, landing at Omaha Beach after D-Day. He was awarded the Purple Heart, a Bronze and a Silver Star for his efforts. During the military, he started his college education at the University of Lafayette and completed his Bachelor's and Master Degree's from the University of Iowa and PHD from Cornell University. He continued his education all his life by teaching chemistry at local community colleges, including Lenoir Community College, and taking courses. His career as a chemical engineer included positions with Sherwin Williams in Chicago, Shell Oil in San Francisco and Houston, and finally for over 30 years with E.I. DuPont as a Senior Development Fellow. He served on the Board of the International Textile Society based in Manchester England for which he was awarded a medal of honor by the Princess Royal of Great Britain. Dr. Chantry enjoyed his volunteer time with the Lenoir Historical Society, Kinston Arts Council and the Kinston Welcome Center. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother-in-law and a devoted friend who will be remembered and missed by all who knew and loved him.
Dr. Chantry was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Patricia Lorenz Chantry; parents, William Kline and Jessie McKee Chantry; daughter-in-law, Christine K. Chantry and grandson-in-law, Bobby McPherson. His survivors include daughter, Mrs. Patricia C. Melvin and husband Bob, Greensboro, NC; son, Dr. William A. Chantry, Jr., Reston, VA; daughter, Elizabeth Ann Chantry, Kinston & Laurel, MD; his treasured grandchildren: Laura M. McPherson, Ivory and Dean McPherson, Liberty, NC; Lee A. Martin, Lane A. Martin, Greensboro; Heidi N. Chantry, Reston, and William K. Chantry, Charlottesville, VA; and special in-laws, Mrs. Karen L. Stanley (John), Kansas City, Mrs. Sharon L. Heller (Joseph), Tampa, Mr. Harold R. Lorenz (Mary Ann), Manchester, Iowa, and loving nieces and nephews. Additionally his life was enriched by his loyal neighbors and friends of Kinston.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 pm Wednesday, 6 July, at Edwards Funeral Home in Kinston. At other time, friends are welcome at the home. Interment will be in Hamburg, IA at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made the Lenoir Historical Society, Kinston Arts Council or the UNC Public Broadcasting System.
Edwards Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.